In this powerful memoir, Pittsburgh’s Leon Ford shares his journey from surviving a police shooting at 19—an event that left him paralyzed and changed his life forever—to becoming an advocate for unity and systemic change. Ford’s story transcends trauma, exploring resilience, fatherhood, and healing as he champions dialogue and social justice. An Unspeakable Hope offers a compassionate, courageous perspective on building a future grounded in forgiveness and purpose.

Among all children’s books published nationwide last year, 13 have been selected by the Pennsylvania Center for the Book for inclusion in  "A Baker’s Dozen: The Best Children’s Books for Family Literacy," for 2024. This list is released nationally, searchable in the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database, and used by libraries, schools, family centers, and elsewhere to inspire the youngest audience members to become lifelong readers and lovers of books. 

Join Ty and his family on a delightful camping adventure, in Ty’s Travels: Camp-Out, 2024 Great Reads from Great Places children's pick for Pennsylvania, beautifully brought to life by New York Times bestselling illustrator Niña Mata. Despite the rain, Ty's imagination turns a damp day into an unforgettable experience filled with love and joy.

This year’s winner is Welcome to the Wonder House, a poetic celebration by Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Georgia Heard, with enchanting illustrations by Deborah Freedman. Published by Wordsong, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, this inspiring collection invites readers to explore creativity, curiosity, and wonder in the world around them.

The 2024 honor The Museum on the Moon: The Curious Objects on the Lunar Surface, written by Irene Latham, illustrated by Miriam Wares, and published by Moonshower, an imprint of Bushel & Peck Publishers "a unique, wonderful approach to the continuous mystery of the moon for children."

My Head Has a Bellyache: And More Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups, written by Chris Harris, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi, and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, is "meant to be shared with the cleverest of kids and adults."